Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-19]

An amendment to the McCollum substitute amendment to the Kazen amendment to add that aliens present in the U.S. under color of law will qualify for assistance.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to strike section 114 of the bill which requires warrants for entering farms or other outdoor operations without the consent of the owners to interrogate persons believed to be aliens.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to strike the bill's provisions which suspend the detention or deportation of Salvadorans and Nicaraguans for nine months after the submission of a report by the GAO assessing the condition of displaced Salvadorans and Nicaraguans who have returned to their homelands.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to provide that a complainant, respondent, or an aggrieved person who elects to initiate a civil action resulting from an incident of alleged discrimination may do so with the knowledge that the Secretary shall, not later than 20 days after the election is made, commence and maintain a civil action on behalf of the aggrieved person in a United States district court, and the Secretary shall promptly notify the Attorney General of the filing of any such action taken. A court may grant relief as a result of any such civil action, and may also withhold relief if the aggrieved person in question has not complied with discovery orders entered by the court. The Secretary may review any finding, conclusion, or order not later than 30 days after the finding, conclusion, or order has been issued, and shall cause the findings of fact and conclusions of law made with respect to any final order for relief, together with a copy of such order, to be served each aggrieved person and each respondent in the proceeding.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to increase from one to two years the deadline for applicants to file their second-stage applications for permanent resident status.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to exempt nationals from certain designated countries from the requirement of having to acquire a visa before entering the U.S. as a tourist for 90 days or less.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to change the provisions of the bill regarding the circumstances for obtaining a jury trial in price fixing litigation. The amendment would require a plaintiff to show evidence of a conspiracy to fix prices and that price was the major factor for the termination of a supply contract between a supplier and a retailer before a jury trial could be obtained.

United States · United States Congress

Amendments en bloc: modify provisions relating to oversight of LSC grantees by eliminating a requirement that investigations of grantees be completed within 90 days; reinstate current law which requires the LSC and its grant recipients to keep separate accounts for Federal and non-Federal funds; and eliminate language which restricts the LSC and its Inspector General from access to grantee records now subject to review and audit.

United States · United States Congress

Amendment sought to require that before a jury trial can be obtained in a price-fixing action, there must be shown by the plaintiff some evidence of a conspiracy to fix prices and that the conspiracy was the "major cause" in the termination of the contract.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to create a new category that would provide increased Impact Aid for those districts in which 25% or more of the local land has been acquired by the Federal Government.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to increase Impact Aid for any district in which 25% or more of the local property has been acquired by the federal government.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to transfer the administrative support for independent counsels from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to the General Services Administration.

United States · United States Congress

An amendment to change the provisions of the bill relating to the compensation of employees of an independent counsel. The amendment, would limit each independent counsel to no more than two empolyees paid at a rate equal to Level V of the federal Executive Schedule ($108,2000 per year), and would cap the maximum pay of all other employees at the equivalent of the GS-15 level ($86,500 per year).

United States · United States Congress

Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improved Bankruptcy Administration Title II: Commercial Bankruptcy Issues Title III: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues Title IV: Governmental Bankruptcy Issues Title V: Technical Corrections Title VI: Severability; Effective Date; Application of Amendments Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1994 - Title I: Improved Bankruptcy Administration - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to allow, with the consent of the parties in interest, an extension of the 30 day period following conclusion of a preliminary hearing on a motion to lift an automatic stay, by the end of which a final hearing must be concluded. (Sec. 102) Amends the judicial code to mandate the jurisdiction of a Federal district court to hear appeals from interlocutory orders and decrees of bankruptcy judges increasing certain time periods for filing a bankruptcy plan. (Currently, a district court has discretion to hear such appeals by its leave only.) (Sec. 103) Revises expedited procedures for reaffirmation of debts. (Sec. 104) Permits bankruptcy court judges to hold status conferences and to issue case limitations and conditions at such conferences. Amends the Federal judicial code to change from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the judicial council of a circuit to establish a bankruptcy appellate panel service. Prescribes circumstances for the termination of a bankruptcy appellate panel. Revises appeals guidelines. (Sec. 105) Permits bankruptcy administrators (in a State in which the bankruptcy system is administered by a Bankruptcy Administrator instead of a U.S. Trustee) to preside at meetings of creditors and equity security holders, and to examine the debtor at creditors' meetings. (Sec. 106) Amends the Bankruptcy Code to include within the definition of "person" pension benefit guarantors and legal or beneficial owners of an asset of an eligible deferred compensation plan or of a governmental employee pension benefit plan (thus enabling such persons, State pension funds, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to serve on creditors' committees). (Sec. 107) Revises current guidelines to permit increases in incentive compensation for bankruptcy trustees. (Sec. 108) Increases the dollar limitations and debt limits applicable to specified bankruptcy procedures (thus enlarging the range of debtors eligible to repay debts over a period from regular income (Chapter 13 debtors), and accounting for inflation since 1978). (Sec. 109) Revises premerger notification requirements. (Sec. 110) Entitles members of Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization committees to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses. (Sec. 111) Prescribes guidelines for supplemental injunctions issued to enjoin entities from taking legal action to receive payment with respect to any claim that under a reorganization plan is to be paid by a specified trust established to assume the debtor's liability for asbestos-related damages. (Sec. 112) Amends the judicial code to authorize bankruptcy court judges to conduct jury trials in civil proceedings under specified circumstances. (Sec. 113) Provides for a waiver of State and Federal sovereign immunity with respect to monetary recoveries and declaratory or injunctive relief under the Bankruptcy Code. Title II: Commercial Bankruptcy Issues - Amends Federal bankruptcy law to revise provisions regarding the right of a party with a security interest in certain aircraft equipment, maritime vessels, or railroad rolling stock equipment to take possession of such equipment or vessels in compliance with an equipment security agreement notwithstanding the automatic stay or property use or sale provisions of the bankruptcy code or injunctive power of the bankruptcy court, unless the trustee assumes the debtor's obligations under the agreement by a specified deadline and any default is cured. (Sec. 202) Sets forth or revises guidelines governing: (1) liability limitations with respect to noninsider transferees for avoided transfers; (2) maintenance and continued perfection of a secured creditor's position; (3) rejection of unexpired leases of real property or timeshare interests; (4) inclusion of the claims of independent sales representatives within priority claims against the bankrupt estate; (5) exclusion from the bankrupt estate of the debtor's interest in liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons; (6) a seller's right to reclaim goods from a bankrupt debtor; (7) election of a disinterested trustee; (8) rights of the partnership trustee against the general partners; (9) exclusion from the debtor's estate of certain accounts receivable and chattel paper; (10) timely filing of claims, interests, and administrative expense requests; (11) the protection of security interests in post-petition rents; and (12) spot foreign exchange contracts. Title III: Consumer Bankruptcy Issues - Permits a Chapter 13 debtor to cure a lien arising from a home mortgage default with respect to his or her principal residence until the residence is sold under the lien. (Sec. 302) Declares certain criminal fines nondischargeable under a Chapter 13 proceeding. (Sec. 303) Amends Federal bankruptcy law to modify the guidelines under which a lien shall be considered to impair an exemption. (Sec. 304) Provides that a petition in bankruptcy does not operate as an automatic stay with respect to an action or proceeding for: (1) the establishment of paternity; or (2) the establishment or modification of an order for child or spousal maintenance or support. Includes within the priority list of expenses and claims that are to be paid by the bankrupt estate any claims for child or spousal support pursuant to a court order. Declares that a debtor in bankruptcy may not avoid a judicial lien securing a debt for child and spousal support or maintenance. Prohibits a bankruptcy trustee from avoiding a transfer that was a bona fide payment of a debt for child or spousal support or maintenance pursuant to a court order. Permits child support creditors to appear and intervene without charge, and without meeting any special local court requirement for attorney appearances, in any bankruptcy proceeding in any bankruptcy or district court upon the filing of a court form detailing the status of the child support debt. (Sec. 305) States that: (1) the rights of the mortgagee on the debtor's principal residence may not be modified; and (2) the rights of the most senior mortgagee on the debtor's principal residence may not be modified to reduce the secured claim to a value that is less than that of the allowed claim. (Sec. 306) Revises the guidelines regarding the debtor's cure of a default to limit a secured creditor to the benefit of the initial underlying agreement, including applicable nonbankruptcy law. (Sec. 307) Modifies the guidelines governing the presumed nondischargeability of certain consumer debts. Title IV: Governmental Bankruptcy Issues - Provides that the filing of a bankruptcy petition does not operate as an automatic stay of the creation, perfection, or enforcement of a statutory lien for an ad valorem property tax imposed by a governmental entity if such tax becomes due after the filing of a bankruptcy petition. (Sec. 402) Modifies the eligibility requirements for municipal bankruptcy filings to require that municipalities be specifically authorized by the State to file for bankruptcy. Title V: Technical Corrections - Makes technical and conforming corrections to the Bankruptcy Code and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Amends the judicial code to require a U.S. trustee to supervise the administration of cases and trustees in cases under Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code. Title VI: Severability; Effective Date; Application of Amendments - Sets forth severability provisions and the effective date of this Act. Makes it inapplicable to certain cases commenced before its enactment.

To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to certain crimes relating to Congressional medals of honor.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1994

Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise the definition of "Congressional Medal of Honor" to include such medals awarded to members of the Air Force, Navy, and Marines (currently, limited to Army).

To extend for an additional two years the period during which medicare select policies may be issued.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994

Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to extend from three years to five years the period during which Medicare select policies may be issued.

Designating November 1, 1994, as "National Family Literacy Day".

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1994

Designates November 1, 1994, as National Family Literacy Day.

Designating October 29, 1994, as "National Firefighters Day".

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1994

Designates October 29, 1994, as National Firefighters Day.

George Washington Boyhood Home Commemorative Coin Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1994

George Washington Boyhood Home Commemorative Coin Act of 1994 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins emblematic of a profile of George Washington and a depiction of his xboyhood home. Declares that all surcharges received from coin sales shall be paid to the George Washington Boyhood Home Foundation.

American Heritage Areas Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Title II: Designation of American Heritage Areas Title III: Studies Regarding Potential American Heritage Areas Title IV: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments Title V: Bramwell National Historic District Title VI: Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments American Heritage Areas Act of 1994 - Title I: American Heritage Areas Partnership Program - American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994 - Establishes the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program within the Department of the Interior, consisting of such Areas designated by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) evaluate nominated Areas; (2) advise State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities as to suitable methods of recognizing and preserving thematically and geographically linked natural, historic, and cultural resources and recreational opportunities; and (3) consider any designated Heritage Area for nomination to the World Heritage List if the Area meets the nomination qualifications. Provides that an area may be designated as an American Heritage Area only by an Act of the Congress or by the means provided in title II. Conditions such designation on the Secretary of the Interior's approval of an Area feasibility study and compact. (Sec. 106) Sets forth provisions regarding compacts (relating to the objectives and management of Areas proposed for designation) and management plans (which shall present comprehensive recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of such Areas). Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance for early actions that are important to the theme of an Area and that protect resources that would be in imminent danger of irreversible damage otherwise. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the management entities named in the compacts for American Heritage Areas to receive Federal funds in support of cooperative partnerships to prepare and implement the management plans and otherwise perform the functions contemplated in this title. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) withdrawal of the designation of an Area; (2) matching grants; (3) technical and other assistance; (4) spending Federal funds on non-federally owned property; (5) reporting requirements; (6) duties of Federal entities conducting Area activities; and (7) the lack of effect of this Act on other land use regulation. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations. Specifies funding limitations. Title II: Designation of American Heritage Areas - Designates the following areas, subject to specified requirements, as part of the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program: (1) American Coal Heritage Area, West Virginia and Virginia; (2) Augusta Canal American Heritage Area, Georgia; (3) Cane River American Heritage Area, Louisiana; (4) Essex American Heritage Area, Massachusetts; (5) Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area, New York; (6) Ohio & Erie Canal American Heritage Area, Ohio; (7) Shenandoah Valley Battlefields American Heritage Area, Virginia; (8) Steel Industry American Heritage Area, Pennsylvania; (9) Vancouver American Heritage Area, Washington; and (10) Wheeling American Heritage Area, West Virginia. Title III: Studies Regarding Potential American Heritage Areas - Directs the Secretary to complete a study on the suitability and feasibility of designating the following as American Heritage Areas: (1) Ohio River corridor, from its headwaters in Pennsylvania to its confluence with the Mississippi River; (2) Fox and Lower Wisconsin River corridors, Wisconsin; (3) a corridor formed by Oconee and other specified counties, South Carolina; and (4) Tryon County, in the Mohawk Valley of New York State, and the Country of the Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy). Title IV: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments - Amends the Act establishing the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to make changes with respect to boundaries, membership and termination of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, and plan revision and implementation. Directs the Commission to revise the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan and submit the revised plan to the Secretary and the Governors of Massachusetts and Rhode Island for approval. Specifies that the revision shall address any change in the boundaries of the Corridor that occurs after submission of the plan and shall include a natural resource inventory of areas or features that should be protected, restored, or managed because of the natural and cultural significance of the areas or features. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds for projects in the Corridor that exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, environmental, educational, or interpretive opportunities, without regard to whether the projects are in public or private ownership. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application procedures; and (2) funding and funding limitations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Bramwell National Historic District - Designates the Bramwell National Historic District, West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of West Virginia, or any political subdivision thereof, to further the purposes of the Historic District. Sets forth provisions regarding the ration of non-Federal funds and agreements regarding payments. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments - Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Amendments Act - Amends the Act establishing in the Department of the Interior the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission (the Act) to designate the Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area. Specifies that such Area shall not be considered an American Heritage Area for purposes of the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994 or the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program. (Sec. 604) Directs the Commission to revise: (1) the management plan developed before the date of enactment of this title to provide for limited Federal involvement; and (2) the scope and cost document developed before such date to reflect the total cost of each project proposed for approval and the Federal portion of such cost. Specifies that both the management plan and the scope and cost document shall be submitted to the Secretary for approval. Bars the Commission from making loans or grants involving Federal funds except as provided in this title. Limits specified funds available for the preservation or restoration of historic properties in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for each project so assisted. Specifies that Federal funds available under the Act with respect to projects may be made available only for projects that are consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Historic Properties promulgated by the Secretary. Sets forth additional funding limitations. (Sec. 606) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Secretary to provide signs, interpretive materials, and other informational devices for a vehicular tour route known as the Path of Progress Heritage Route.

Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children Savings and Investment Incentive Act of 1994 - Title I: Retirement Savings Incentives - Subtitle A: Restoration of IRA Deduction - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the limitation on the deductibility of contributions to individual retirement plans (IRAs) by active participants in employer-maintained plans, thereby restoring the IRA deduction. Provides an inflation adjustment after 1995. Allows certain spouses a full deduction for contributions to an IRA. Subtitle B: Nondeductible Tax-Free IRAs - Allows individuals to establish individual retirement plus (IRA Plus) accounts with tax treatment similar to that for individual retirement plans. Makes contributions to such accounts nondeductible. Title II: Penalty-Free Distributions - Allows distributions from certain retirement plans without penalty to purchase first homes, pay higher education expenses and financially devastating medical expenses, and assist certain unemployed individuals. Title III: Aid to Families with Dependent Children - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients.

To designate October 1, 1994, as "National Incest and Sexual Abuse Healing Day".

United States · United States Congress · 18 August 1994

Designates October 1, 1994, as National Incest and Sexual Abuse Healing Day.

Designating the months of March 1995 and March 1996 as "Irish-American Heritage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 1994

Designates the months of March 1995 and March 1996 as Irish-American Heritage Month.

To designate the United States courthouse under construction in White Plains, New York, as the "Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse".

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1994

Designates the United States courthouse under construction at 300 Quarropas Street in White Plains, New York, as the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse.

To establish the fourth Sunday of July as "Parents' Day".

United States · United States Congress · 5 August 1994

Establishes the fourth Sunday of every July as Parents' Day.

To designate August 1, 1994, as "Helsinki Human Rights Day".

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1994

Designates August 1, 1994, as Helsinki Human Rights Day. Authorizes the President to reassert America's commitment to the Helsinki Accords and requests him to: (1) convey to all signatories of the Accords that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a vital element of further progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and (2) develop new proposals to advance the human rights objectives of such process to address the major problems that remain.

International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994

International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide, in accordance with an antitrust mutual assistance agreement in effect with a foreign antitrust authority, antitrust evidence to assist such authority to: (1) determine whether a person has violated, or is about to violate, any of the foreign antitrust laws administered or enforced by the authority; and (2) enforce any of such laws. Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct investigations to obtain evidence relating to a violation of such foreign antitrust laws and provide such evidence to the authority, regardless of whether the conduct investigated violates any of the Federal antitrust laws. Authorizes the U.S. district court for the district in which a person resides, is found, or transacts business, upon application of the Attorney General made in accordance with such an agreement, to order such person to give testimony or a statement to, or to produce a document or other thing for, the Attorney General to assist the authority to make its determination or enforce any of such laws. Sets forth provisions regarding the contents of the order, the preservation of rights and privileges, and voluntary conduct. Makes this Act inapplicable with respect to antitrust evidence that is: (1) received by the Attorney General or the FTC under provisions of the Clayton Act regarding a premerger notification and waiting period; (2) a matter occurring before a grand jury with respect to which disclosure is prevented by Federal law, with exceptions; (3) specifically authorized to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy under criteria established by executive order; and (4) classified under specified provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Permits disclosure of antitrust evidence obtained under the Antitrust Civil Process Act in accordance with such an agreement under, and the other requirements of, this Act. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) publication requirements; (2) implementation of such agreements; (3) limitations on judicial review; (4) supplementation and preservation of authority; and (5) reporting requirements.

Designating September 17, 1994, as "Constitution Day".

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1994

Designates September 17, 1994, as Constitution Day.

To designate the second Sunday in October of 1994 as "National Children's Day".

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 1994

Designates the second Sunday in October 1994 as National Children's Day.

Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1994

Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area Act of 1994 - Establishes the Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area in New York. Provides that the management entities for the Area shall be the Hudson River Greenway Communities Council and the Greenway Conservancy (agencies established by the State of New York in its Hudson River Greenway Act of 1991). Requires the entities to jointly establish a Heritage Area Committee to manage the Area. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a compact with the management entities that shall include information relating to the objectives and management of the Area. Requires the entities to develop a management plan for the Area that presents comprehensive recommendations for the Area's conservation, funding, management, and development. Authorizes appropriations.

To designate the second week of August, 1994 as "National U.S. Seafood Week".

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1994

Designates the second week of August 1994 as National U.S. Seafood Week.

To state the sense of Congress on the production, possession, transfer, and use of antipersonnel landmines, to place a moratorium on United States production of antipersonnel landmines, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the President should seek an international agreement prohibiting the production, possession, transfer, and use of antipersonnel landmines; and (2) a moratorium by the United States on the purchase and production of antipersonnel landmines would encourage other nations to adopt similar measures. Prohibits the U.S. Government from purchasing or producing such landmines effective 90 days after this Act's enactment date. Continues such moratorium for one year from this Act's enactment date. Urges the President to encourage other nations which are major producers of such landmines to adopt similar moratoria. Authorizes the President to extend the moratorium if other nations have adopted similar moratoria. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense for: (1) humanitarian activities relating to the clearing and disarming of landmines and the protection of civilians from landmines; and (2) contributions to United Nations funds and nongovernmental organizations to support such activities. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development and the Secretary of State to submit to the Congress a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the social, economic, and environmental costs and effects of antipersonnel landmines. Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on the total number of members of the armed forces killed or wounded by antipersonnel landmines during World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, and the Persian Gulf War.

First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994

First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth the conditions under which builders will be allowed to compute on the installment sales method income from the sale of newly constructed one-family residential real property.

To designate February 2, 1995, and February 1, 1996, as "National Women and Girls in Sports Day".

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1994

Designates February 2, 1995, and February 1, 1996, as National Women and Girls in Sports Day.

To designate September 13, 1994, as "Commodore John Barry Day".

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 1994

Designates September 13, 1994, as Commodore John Barry Day.

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 1994

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1994 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including employing authorities of the House of Representatives, employing offices of the Senate, and instrumentalities of the Congress. Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits quotas and preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except in their for-profit activities); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State and Federal immunity. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Prohibits retaliation and coercion. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.

Multiple Sclerosis Home Treatment Equity Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 1994

Multiple Sclerosis Home Treatment Equity Act of 1994 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide coverage and payment for self-administered betaseron (Interferon beta-1b) for patients with multiple sclerosis.

To provide for a settlement of the railroad labor-management disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and certain of its employees represented by the United Transportation Union.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 1994

Provides for a settlement of the railroad labor-management disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and certain of its employees represented by the United Transportation Union. Directs the President to appoint a Special Board, taking into account recommendations of the parties. Requires the Special Board to act as mediators for a 28-day period and then issue a binding determination on any remaining issues in dispute.

United States China Policy Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 1994

United States-China Act of 1994 - Declares that if nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment) is not granted to China by reason of the enactment of a congressional disapproval resolution, such treatment shall continue to apply to goods that are produced by a person that is not a state-owned Chinese enterprise, but not apply to any goods that are produced by a state-owned Chinese enterprise. Provides that if nondiscriminatory treatment is granted to China for a 12-month period on July 3, 1994, such treatment shall not apply to: (1) any good that is produced by the People's Liberation Army or a Chinese defense industrial trading company; or (2) any nonqualified good that is produced by a state-owned Chinese enterprise. Provides that in order for such treatment to be granted to China, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult with American businesses that have significant trade with or investment in China, to encourage them to adopt a voluntary code of conduct that: (1) follows internationally recognized human rights principles; (2) ensures the employment of Chinese citizens is not discriminatory in terms of sex, ethnic origin, or political belief; (3) ensures that no convict, forced, or indentured labor is knowingly used; (4) recognizes the rights of workers to freely organize and bargain collectively; and (5) discourages mandatory political indoctrination on business premises. Requires the Secretary to determine, and publish in the Federal Register, which persons are state-owned Chinese enterprises and Chinese defense industrial trading companies. Authorizes the President to waive any condition or prohibition imposed under this Act if he determines and reports to the Congress that its continued imposition would have a serious adverse effect on vital U.S. national security interests. Declares that if the President recommends in 1995 that the waiver of human rights and emigration requirements for nondiscriminatory treatment for China be continued, he shall state in a specified report to the Congress the extent to which China has made progress with respect to: (1) adhering to the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; (2) ceasing the exportation to the United States of products made with convict, forced, or indentured labor; (3) ceasing unfair and discriminatory trade practices which restrict and unreasonably burden American businesses; and (4) adhering to the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime and the controls adopted by the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Australia Group.

To award a congressional gold medal to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994

Authorizes the President to present, on behalf of the Congress, to the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a gold medal in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions toward world education, morality, and acts of charity. States that no appropriations are authorized to implement this Act. Declares that the medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to recognize the achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer.

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 1994

Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a U.S. postage stamp should be issued in recognition of the distinctive life and scientific achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer and his civic contributions to U.S. social and technological advancement; and (2) the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be issued.

Designating September 16, 1994, as "National POW/MIA Recognition Day" and authorizing display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994

Designates September 16, 1994, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Requires the display of the National League of Families POW/MIA flag at: (1) all national cemeteries and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial on May 30, 1994 (Memorial Day), September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day), and November 11, 1994 (Veterans Day); and (2) the White House and the buildings containing the primary offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Selective Service System on September 16, 1994 (National POW/MIA Recognition Day).

Directing the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Government Operations, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Small Business to commence hearings on issues within their jurisdiction relating to the Whitewater Development Corporation and related issues.

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 1994

Instructs the House Committees on Agriculture; Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs; Government Operations; the Judiciary; and Small Business to commence hearings on issues within their jurisdiction relating to Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan Association, Whitewater Development Corporation, Capital Management Services Inc., Ray E. Friedman and Company, Lasater and Company, and such appropriate related issues by August 15, 1994, and to submit written findings concerning such matter to the House by the sine die adjournment of the Congress. Directs the respective committees to work to accommodate the work of Special Counsel Robert B. Fiske, Jr., and to not grant immunity, under specified provisions of the Federal criminal code, over the objection of the Special Counsel to any witness called to testify at these hearings. Instructs the Speaker and the majority and minority leaders to meet to determine the appropriate timetable, procedures, and other relevant issues relating to congressional oversight.

To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study to identify future funding options for financing infrastructure projects under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 1994

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on future funding options for financing infrastructure projects under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Authorizes appropriations.

National Community Service Commemorative Coin Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1994

National Community Service Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue one-dollar silver coins to commemorate students who volunteer to perform community service. Mandates that all surcharges received from such coin sales be paid to the National Community Service Trust to fund innovative community service programs at American universities, including the service, research, and teaching activities of the faculty and students involved in such programs.

Postal Inspection Service and Inspector General Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994

Postal Inspection Service and Inspector General Act - Prohibits the Postal Service from retaining the services of a paid confidential informant for purposes of investigations concerning the possible violation of laws relating to controlled substances unless the unlawful use of the mails is involved. Directs the Postal Service to render a semiannual report to the Congress concerning any investigation: (1) in which the Postal Service retains the services of a paid confidential informant; and (2) which results in the arrest of one or more individuals for violating any law relating to controlled substances. Creates a Chief Postal Inspector within the Postal Service. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to transfer internal audit and program review functions of the Postal Inspection Service to the Office of the Inspector General. Confers oversight responsibility for all activities of the Postal Inspection Service on the Inspector General of the Postal Service. Requires the Chief Postal Inspector to report significant activities being carried out by the Postal Inspection Service to the Inspector General. Applies all provisions of the Inspector General Act of 1978 to the Postal Service.

Marine Fish Conservation Amendments of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Amendments to Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act Title II: Amendments to the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act Marine Fish Conservation Amendments of 1994 - Title I: Amendments to Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act - Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to declare that it is the policy of the Congress to: (1) assure that the national fishery conservation and management program encourages development of practical measures that reduce bycatch (the incidental catch, take, or harvest of certain fish, marine mammals, and other specified animals) to insignificant levels approaching zero; and (2) ensure that all State and Federal actions are consistent with the conservation and management of fisheries under such Act. (Sec. 105) Revises national standards for fishery conservation and management to require conservation and management measures to: (1) provide an adequate margin of safety to act as a buffer against overfishing; and (2) reduce bycatch to the lowest level practicable and avoid unnecessary waste of fish. (Sec. 106) Revises requirements for Regional Fishery Management Councils to direct the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that at least 25 percent of the appointed members of each Council are persons selected for their fisheries expertise, as demonstrated by university, environmental organization, or other non-user group affiliation and by past actions and accomplishments. Provides for removal of a Council member for cause upon the Secretary's determination of a conflict of interest. Requires that each Council decision be recorded by roll call vote registered and forwarded to the Secretary for review. Authorizes each Council to request the Secretary to initiate consultation with a Federal agency about certain agency activity which may affect the essential fishery habitat of a fishery under its jurisdiction designated in a fishery management plan. Revises financial disclosure requirements for Council members to include financial interests held by children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings. Requires any Council member holding a financial interest requiring disclosure to recuse him or herself from voting on or participating in all Council actions that would affect such interest. Authorizes Council members and the public to challenge, in writing to the Secretary, any vote of a Council member alleged to have been made in violation of such recusal requirement. (Sec. 107) Requires any fishery management plan to: (1) specify an objective definition of overfishing for each fish species or population involved in the fishery; (2) contain a recovery plan for any overfished fishery; (3) specify allowable gear types for the fishery, requiring the use of types which minimize bycatch and associated mortality; (4) provide for the stationing on U.S. fishing vessels of observers to gather reliable data; (5) establish a system of fees to pay for plan implementation; (6) assess the bycatch of all gear types used in the fishery; and (7) contain conservation and management measures to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts of fishing gear and practices on habitat for fish. Requires the Secretary to review each existing fishery management plan for compliance with the definition of overfishing in this Act. (Sec. 108) Specifies plan review, plan preparation, and overfishing determination duties of the Secretary. Mandates the contents of regulations establishing a system to collect fees to pay for fishing vessel observers. Establishes a National Fishery Observer Fund. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a list of fish species, populations, and population complexes that are overfished and the objective definition of overfishing used to make that determination. Requires the Secretary to develop a research plan to identify and gather needed data on fish species, populations, and population complexes for which information is insufficient. Revises the approval voting requirements for a management plan for any fishery under the authority of more than one Council. Declares that any Secretary-prepared fishery management plan or amendment addressing a highly migratory species fishery, which was in effect on July 1, 1993, shall remain in effect until superseded by a plan or amendment prepared by the appropriate Councils and approved by the Secretary. Sets forth procedures for adoption of a recovery plan addressing overfishing with respect to fish species, populations, or population complexes subject to a fishery management plan. Directs the Secretary to provide for the elimination of bycatch through fees and incentive programs, including cooperative efforts with the Federal Government on research and development of selective fishing gear and other technological devices for the reduction of bycatch. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register and submit to the Congress a report on the cumulative impacts on fishery habitats of the actions authorized, funded, or carried out by Federal agencies, including an assessment of how fishery habitats identified in approved fishery management plans are affected. Directs the Secretary to review: (1) the feasibility of establishing a risk sharing pool through a reasonable fee to provide coverage for vessels and vessel owners against liability from civil suits by observers; and (2) the availability of comprehensive commercial insurance for vessel and owner liability against such suits. Requires the Secretary to establish such a pool unless such insurance is available to all fishing vessels and U.S fish processors required to have observers, and it will provide a greater measure of coverage at a lower cost. Requires the Secretary to establish an alternative observation program for vessels on which facilities for quartering of an observer, or for carrying out observer functions, are inadequate to ensure the health or safety of the observer or the safe operation of the vessel. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Secretary or the appropriate Council (subject to the Secretary's approval) to adopt regulations as an interim measure in the absence of a fishery management plan. Prescribes general requirements for such regulations. Requires the Secretary to comment on and make recommendations concerning any actual or proposed action authorized, funded, or carried out by a State or Federal agency that may result in the destruction or adverse modification of the essential habitat designated in a fishery management plan. Prescribes guidelines for Federal agency response to such comments or recommendations. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit any such Federal agency actions. Provides for: (1) citizen suits to enforce such Act; and (2) citizen petitions to compel the Secretary to make a finding or determination or take any other action authorized by such Act. Title II: Amendments to the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act - Amends the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 to require the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service (or his or her designee) to be one of the three U.S. Commissioners on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. (Sec. 201) Prohibits any U.S. Commissioner from having a financial interest or from serving as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee with an organization with a financial interest in any catching, harvesting, processing, or marketing activity undertaken within any fishery over which the Commission has jurisdiction. Repeals certain knowledge and experience requirements, with respect to commercial and recreational fishing, for non-governmental Commissioners. Allows regulations to carry out Commission recommendations which may have the effect of decreasing any allocation or quota of fish to the United States.

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit voting by proxy in committees and subcommittees.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1994

Amends rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit proxy voting by any committee or subcommittee member with respect to any measure or matter. (Currently, a committee or subcommittee can adopt a rule to permit a member to vote by proxy.)

Grant's Tomb National Memorial Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994

Grant's Tomb National Memorial Act of 1994 - Redesignates General Grant National Memorial, located at Riverside Drive and West 122d Street, New York, New York, as Grant's Tomb National Memorial. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) design and construct a visitors center at the Memorial to aid in its interpretation and to maintain its historical significance; and (2) acquire from the city of New York non-Federal lands located within the boundaries of the Memorial. Authorizes the Secretary to lease such lands or enter into a cooperative agreement for the management of them. Requires the Secretary to establish a study commission to review security and maintenance at the Memorial as well as plan for interpretive programs and for the complete restoration of it and to submit a written report regarding such study to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit a final plan for such projects consistent with such report to the Congress; and (2) in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Secretary of the Army, to provide at least three military guards to protect the Memorial and the Site on a 24-hour basis every day in perpetuity. Authorizes appropriations.

Educational Quality Index Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 1994

Educational Quality Index Act of 1994 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to substitute evaluations of educational quality for cohort default rates in eligibility determinations for proprietary institutions of higher education under the Federal student loan insurance program of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (guaranteed student loans). Revises program integrity reviews provisions to include such educational quality index for proprietary institutions.